CA AB967

Establishes licensing and regulation of alkaline hydrolysis facilities by the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, effective July 1, 2020, with requirements substantially similar to those for crematoria.

Requires hydrolysis facility applicants to obtain state and local permits, demonstrate appropriate hydrolysate disposal methods (sewer discharge or containment/transport), employ State Department of Public Health-approved hydrolysis chambers, and maintain annual chamber maintenance records.

Defines hydrolysis facility managers as persons with valid crematory manager licenses who obtain certification from the bureau, and sets licensing fees not exceeding reasonable administrative costs plus up to $8.50 per hydrolysis performed quarterly.

Extends existing cremated remains disposer registration requirements to include hydrolyzed human remains, and applies rules for remains identification, storage, and disposition (scattering, inurnment, burial at sea) to both cremated and hydrolyzed remains.

Adds misdemeanor penalties for unlicensed hydrolysis operations and violations of hydrolysis procedures, and requires local registrars to issue permits for hydrolyzed remains disposition with medical schools' existing alkaline hydrolysis facilities exempt from certain contract requirements.